northern harrier
Noun A medium-sized bird of prey (Circus cyaneus, formerly Circus hudsonius) found in North America and parts of Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its long wings and tail, an owl-like facial disk, and a low, gliding flight over open ground and marshes where it hunts small mammals and birds.
The term "northern harrier" is used to specifically identify this species of harrier, distinguishing it from other harrier species found in different regions. It is a standard ornithological term.
Examples - The northern harrier is easily identified by the white patch on its rump. - We observed a northern harrier hunting over the marshland. - Conservation efforts are important for the northern harrier, as its wetland habitats are declining.
- The term is used in formal scientific and birdwatching contexts. The bird was formerly known as the "marsh hawk" in North America, but "northern harrier" is now the preferred common name to align with global naming conventions for the species complex.
- Marsh hawk: (noun) An older, now less common name for the northern harrier in North America.
- Hen harrier: (noun) The name commonly used for the same or a very closely related species (Circus cyaneus) in Europe and Asia.
- Harrier: (noun) The general term for birds in the genus , which includes the northern harrier.
- Marsh hawk (archaic in North America)
- Hen harrier (primarily in Eurasia)
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using "northern harrier." It is a technical noun for a specific bird species.
- common harrier of North America and Europe; nests in marshes and open land